Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a call from my kid's school principal that a bull snake had been found in one of the teacher's houses, and was going to be killed if someone wouldn't take it. When I got to the school to pick it up I found what I think is a bity, baby checkered garter snake. (I do not have a camera, or I'd post pics)We have snow on the ground, and I have no idea why this little fellow would be out wandering around.
Anyway, I took the poor little thing from a hundred little groping hands, and put him in a small enclosure with aspen substrate and some water. It is so tiny, and looks underweight to me.
What I need to know is, what temp range does he need? What can I feed him? Pinky heads? He looks too small to eat a pinky. Humidity requirements? Does he need UV? I have mostly Boids, and some cornsnakes. I am not used to such a tiny frail looking thing! I want to do all I can for him, and hopefully release him come spring. I need to come up with a temporary setup immediately. I will then have the time to do the resaerch for a better habitat and care.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give us!
GratefulFred
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GratefulFred

Fred, right now he's probably skinny because he has'nt eaten in a while because of cold weather.............you can set him over a heatstrip so he gets about 83-85 degrees on warm side and about 70 on cool if if possible.......i would put hide box over the heat...........do this gradually (raise heat) over a week or so.....then try some live guppies or small rosie red fish....and earthworms...........he probaly won't eat pinky parts.....but after he has eaten the other things for a while, you can try scenting some small, cut up , pinkie parts with fish............he may not eat for a couple weeks until he heats up some..........humidity won't be a real factor until he sheds, so you want to raise humidity to about 70-80% when he's ready.........no uv necessary.....but try to give him a spring like day/night cycle to simulate spring....if possible......feed him every 4 days or so right now.........wish you well............CHRIS' COLUBRID'S

Thank you. This is very helpful information!
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GratefulFred

I concur with the previous care information. If you can't provide a temp gradient he will probably do ok at around 80 degrees and a little cooler at night. Feeder fish are probably your best bet but feed often when using fish, two to three times a week. Later you can try scented pinkies then unscented pinkies. I keep a lot of Garters but have no experience with Checkereds personally, but I hear their husbandry is typical for Garters.

Keep us posted on how your new pet is doing or any other questions you may have.

Randy

Well, he did not eat tonight, but I can't blame him for that. He's probably a bit traumatized.
I tried guppies, worms and pinkie parts. I've gotten him warm. His temporary cage is small, and difficult to get gradient temps in, but it's around 81 degrees on one side, just slightly cooler on the other.
I suppose I'll just let him be to settle in for a couple of days and try again.

Thank you again for all your help, and, yes, I'll keep you posted.

GratefulFred
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GratefulFred

Make that every 3 days feeding with fish.........it will probably be a couple weeks before he eats......CHRIS' COLUBRIDS

I want to do all I can for him, and hopefully release him come spring.

You didn't mention where you're located, but please consult your state laws regarding releasing of captive-held animals back into the wild. While in general, the concept is Frowned Upon, in many states it's downright illegal.

My suggestion would be for this snake to become a classroom exhibit in the school in which it was found.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet